How to Tell If Your AC Refrigerant Is Low (and What to Do About It)
When your home’s air conditioning isn’t keeping you cool like it used to, low refrigerant could be the culprit. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system – it’s the chemical that absorbs heat from your home and releases it outside. Without the proper amount, your system can’t cool effectively and might suffer damage over time. But how do you know if the refrigerant is low?
5 Signs Your Home’s AC Refrigerant is Low
1. Warm Air Coming from the Vents
If your AC is blowing air that feels lukewarm or just not as cold as usual, low refrigerant is one possible cause. When there’s not enough refrigerant, your system struggles to absorb heat, which means it can’t cool the air efficiently.
2. Longer Cooling Cycles
Is your AC running longer than normal to reach the set temperature or not reaching it at all? Low refrigerant forces your unit to work harder, which can lead to longer run times and higher energy bills.
3. Ice on the Refrigerant Lines or Evaporator Coil
Ironically, low refrigerant can cause parts of your system to freeze up. Without enough refrigerant to absorb heat, moisture in the air around the evaporator coil can freeze, leading to ice buildup. If you see ice forming on the copper lines outside or on the indoor coil, it’s time to call in a professional.
4. Hissing or Bubbling Sounds
Refrigerant doesn’t just “run out.” If it’s low, there’s likely a leak. Hissing or bubbling noises near your AC unit can be a sign of refrigerant escaping through a small hole or crack in the system.
5. Higher Energy Bills
If your AC is working overtime to cool your home, it’ll reflect in your utility bill. A sudden or steady rise in your energy costs without a change in thermostat settings could indicate your system is using more electricity due to low refrigerant.
What Causes AC Refrigerant Leaks?
Refrigerant leaks in an air conditioning system can happen for a variety of reasons, and most are related to wear and tear over time, poor installation, or physical damage. There are a few common causes:
1. Corrosion of the Copper Lines
Over time, the copper refrigerant lines can corrode. This happens more often if your home has high humidity, is near saltwater, or if there are contaminants like formaldehyde in the air. This corrosion can create tiny pinholes that slowly leak refrigerant.
2. Factory Defects or Poor Installation
Sometimes refrigerant leaks are caused by flaws in the system from the start. If a unit was poorly manufactured or improperly installed, weak joints or poorly soldered connections can eventually lead to leaks.
3. Vibration and Wear
AC units naturally vibrate when running. Over time, this movement can cause the refrigerant lines to rub against other parts or become loose, leading to cracks or wear that eventually leak.
4. Formicary Corrosion
This specific type of corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between the copper tubing and certain acids or chemicals commonly found in household products or building materials. It results in tiny pinhole leaks that are difficult to detect but common in indoor coils.
5. Physical Damage
Anything from accidental impact during yard work to rodents chewing on the lines can cause a refrigerant leak. Even hail or debris from a storm can damage exposed components.
6. Aging Components
Just like any other appliance, AC systems age. After about 10 to 15 years, seals and joints may deteriorate, coils may weaken, and the risk of refrigerant leaks increases significantly.
7. Improper Repairs or Recharging
If a technician previously serviced your system and didn’t properly seal or pressurize the system during a recharge, it could lead to leaks. Overcharging or undercharging refrigerant can also strain the system and cause future issues.
READ MORE: How much does refrigerant cost?
Why You Shouldn’t “Top Off” Refrigerant Yourself
Refrigerant isn’t something you can just add like windshield washer fluid. It’s a pressurized chemical that should only be handled by an EPA-certified technician. More importantly, if your system is low on refrigerant, it likely has a leak—and simply topping it off won’t fix the root problem.
Why Your Technician Might Not Be Able to Refill Your Refrigerant
There are strict regulations in place for HVAC technicians when it comes to handling refrigerant, especially when “topping off” a system. These rules are designed to protect the environment, ensure proper handling of chemicals, and promote responsible system repairs.
It Is Illegal to Add Refrigerant Without Fixing a Leak (for Systems Over 50 lbs)
While most residential systems are under 50 pounds of refrigerant, it’s important to note that:
- EPA regulations prohibit topping off a leaking system without repairing the leak for systems that contain more than 50 lbs of refrigerant.
- Even for smaller systems, ethical and responsible technicians should always repair the leak rather than continuously topping off refrigerant, which leads to environmental harm and wasted money for the homeowner.
-
If a technician only adds refrigerant without checking for leaks, that’s a red flag. A trustworthy HVAC pro should always explain why your system is low and discuss leak detection or repairs first.
What to Do If You Suspect Low Refrigerant
If you notice any of the signs above, here’s what you should do:
- Turn off your AC to prevent further damage, especially if you see ice buildup.
- Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system. They’ll check refrigerant levels, find and repair any leaks, and recharge the system to the correct amount.
READ MORE: Refrigerant Repair & Freon Leaks
The Importance of AC Maintenance
Routine air conditioner maintenance can catch these issues before they turn into costly repairs. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will inspect the evaporator coil, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condensate drain line, and much more. Preventative maintenance helps ensure your system runs efficiently, reducing the chances of major breakdowns.
Call Quality Comfort for AC Repair
If you’re in the Cincinnati area and need professional HVAC assistance, Quality Comfort Home Services is here to help. Contact us today to schedule air conditioning repair.
